Estevan Oriol Celebrates L.A. and Teen Angel’s Influence at Beyond the Streets

Estevan Oriol, a renowned Los Angeles photographer, will be showcasing his work at a new exhibition titled “Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated to You” at Beyond the Streets Flag Shop.

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Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated to You” Exhibit – Photo Courtesy: Beyond the Streets

The show will be a deep dive into Oriol’s extensive archive, featuring his signature black and white photographs. These images capture the essence of Los Angeles, revealing beauty in unexpected places and highlighting the city’s rich history.

Known for its immersive and massive-scale art exhibitions, Beyond the Streets surrenders its warehouse gallery to a curated fusion of urban landscapes and the artists who dwell in them.

Photos courtesy Estevan Oriol

Beyond Oriol’s photography, the exhibition will also celebrate the influence of Teen Angel magazine on his work. Teen Angel’s Magazine was a cultural touchstone, fostering a sense of community and forging lasting friendships. A significant connection existed between Oriol and Teen Angel’s founder, David De Baca. Following De Baca’s passing in 2015, Oriol was entrusted with the poignant task of photographing Teen Angel’s studio.

This exhibition goes beyond showcasing Oriol’s artistic achievements. It’s a tribute to both his talent and the impact Teen Angel magazine had on his creative journey.

Estevan Oriol, a photographer and director based in Los Angeles, is best known for his gritty black and white 35mm works. His subjects range from Chicano and cholo culture, a prominent element in LA’s gang culture, to celebrities in film, hip-hop, and even lingerie. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide and graced the covers of magazines and albums.

Photos courtesy Estevan Oriol

Oriol’s life began in Santa Monica, California. By 19, he moved to Hollywood and started working in the music industry, first as a bouncer at hip-hop clubs and later as a tour manager for Cypress Hill and House of Pain. It was during this time that he picked up a camera to document his experiences on the road. 

His lens captured both everyday gang members and celebrities, bringing fame to subjects like LA Fingers and the cover art for Snoop Dogg’s album “Ego Trippin’ “. Esteemed publications like Complex, FHM, GQ, Vibe, Rolling Stone, and The Source have all featured Oriol’s work. 

Photos courtesy Estevan Oriol

Beyond photography, Oriol has directed music videos for artists like Blink-182, Cypress Hill, and D12. This creative journey is intertwined with his lifelong friend and collaborator Mister Cartoon. Together they co-founded Joker Brand Clothing and Soul Assassins Studios, the latter established with the help of Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs.


Oriol’s creative influence extended beyond the photographic world. In 2004, he contributed to the video game GTA San Andreas. Over the years, he has directed music videos for rock and hip-hop artists, published books and calendars like “LA Woman”, and most recently, became the Creative Director and partner at media company BallerStatus.com. 

Estevan Oriol’s journey is not just one of artistic expression; it’s a chronicle of Chicano experience in Los Angeles. His work, alongside Mister Cartoon’s, is documented in the 2020 Netflix documentary “LA Originals”, which explores their lives as Chicano creatives who left a lasting mark on art, hip-hop, and counterculture on a global scale.

Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated to You” Exhibit – Photo Courtesy: Beyond the Streets

The public opening reception for Dedicated to You will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 11AM to 6PM, with the show on view through September 15, 2024, located at 434 N La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036.  Https://WWW.ESTEVANORIOL.COM

Author: Keri Freeman

Military mom and proud parent, artist, writer, musician and film maker. Cocktail connoisseur. Publisher of DTLA Weekly.